updated 08:55 pm EDT, Wed June 15, 2011

Timing for North America launch remains unclear

Sony is allegedly planning to ship its S1 and S2 tablets in European markets by the end of September. The latest leak suggests the company will distribute the devices through Sony Direct, UK retail outlet John Lewis, and an unnamed third partner. Supplies are said to be ramping up after launch, sometime before the holiday season.

The information, which was posted on Engadget, is said to be taken from an internal document circulated through the company's marketing team. The note did not provide many other details, aside from a reference to "unique design features."

Both models are built around Android 3.0 and Tegra 2 components; the S1 integrates a single 9.4-inch display, while the S2 brings dual 5.5-inch panels with 1024x480 resolution. The S1 is said to focus on Qriocity functionality, while the S2 takes advantage of two screens for an e-book reader app and PlayStation gaming.

The S1 recently surfaced in FCC documents, hinting toward an imminent launch in US and Canadian markets. Rumored prices sit at $599 for the S1 or $699 for the S2.